In Bond Fine Wine. 2016 Château Fonroque, Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France. Grand Cru Classé • Red Bordeaux in 12x75cl. Top critic score: 95/100 (LPB). Drinking window: 2021–2040. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Pioneering biodynamics in Bordeaux, Alain Moueix has long been ahead of his time. Chateau Fonroque became the first classified growth in Bordeaux to be both organically and biodynamically certified, setting the benchmark for a more holistic, terroir-driven approach in the region. Inspired by a visit to Burgundy’s Anne-Claude Leflaive, Moueix embraced biodynamics to capture greater energy, clarity, and precision in his wines, a decision that has since earned him widespread respect. The aim has always been to allow the vineyard and terroir to speak as clearly as possible. The resulting wines combine ripe, supple fruit with freshness, mineral character and fine, silky tannins, favouring balance and finesse over excessive extraction. “Moueix reputedly had to endure hostility and ridicule from many of his neighbours in the mid-2000s, partly as biodynamic viticulture inevitably results in reduced yields. Over time, the quality and elegance of his wines proved the point. Today Mouiex is no longer regarded as an outcast, but rather a front-runner.“ Decanter
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (LPB) — 95/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 30/11/2018 · Drink 2020-2035
The 2016 Fonroque has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and opens with black cherries, kirsch, warm blueberries and spice box scents plus hints of tobacco and pencil lead. Medium-bodied, it has a chewy line and plenty of earth-inspired flavors, finishing just a tad grippy.
Neal Martin (NM) — 93–95/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 28/04/2017 · Drink 2021-2045
The 2016 Fonroque, part of the portfolio of Alain Moueix, put in a killer performance this year. It has a lighter bouquet compared to its peers with dusky black fruit, quite tertiary and introverted at first, although it does gain more expression and vigor with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin on the entry, very refined and poised without compensating in terms of…
Jeb Dunnuck (JD) — 91/100 · JebDunnuck.com, 28/02/2019 · Drink 2019-2034
A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 Chateau Fonroque is a pretty, classy wine that has plenty of tobacco and earthy notes, plenty of darker fruits, medium body, and a supple, lightly textured, balanced style on the palate. It doesn't match the 2015 yet is a beautiful, elegant, nuanced wine to drink over the coming 10-15 years.